![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
On September 8th, I performed my first handfasting and marriage as a marriage commissioner.
Here are some photos from that day. First, one of me, fully made up for the occasion:
One of the altar at the hall:
Robin and I doing the Goddess invocation:
And me after the ritual:
The ritual went quite well, all things considered. No major hitches, aside from an incense charcoal that wouldn't light properly; once it got going, though, the clouds of fragrant frankincense smoke could be smelled throughout the hall. The couple were very pleased with the rite, and have promised to get me a copy of the videotape on CD.
Here is the script of the handfasting.
******************************************
******************************************
******************************************
Marianne and Grant’s Handfasting
7:00 pm, September 8th, 2007
(Before the ritual begins, Laurie blesses the salt and water, the charcoal and incense, and purifies Robin with each elemental combination; Robin then purifies Laurie. Robin and Laurie walk the perimeter of the circle, lighting each of the quarter candles. They then return to the altar, and Robin rings the bell three times to signal the beginning of the rite.)
[LAURIE]
We are here today to celebrate, to witness, to bless, and to receive the blessings of Marianne and Grant’s handfasting. As we prepare the sacred space for this marriage, let all of us take a few moments to meditate on the sacredness of love.
(As Laurie purifies the space with incense smoke, Robin leads the spectators in a call-and-response contemplation.)
[ROBIN]
Please repeat after me:
Love is like the sun that shines down upon our lives.
Love is like the moon that lights the way in darkness.
Love is like the earth that supports and nourishes us.
Love is like the sea, ever-changing and yet ever-constant.
Love is like the fire that warms us when we are cold.
Love is like the breath which gives us life.
Love is like the sacred spirit which dwells within us all
And gives us the strength to face each new day with joy.
(Laurie proceeds to purify the sacred space with salt and water, as Robin reads the Explanation.)
[ROBIN]
A handfasting is the ritual of marriage within the Wiccan religion. The High Priestess is purifying the sacred space with representatives of the four elements that make up the world — earth and water, air and fire. She will then create a circular temple of energy called a circle of power, and will invite the spirits associated with the four cardinal directions to join her within it, as well as the Goddess and the God, Whose blessings we ask for today.
When the handfasting has been performed, she will bid farewell to the powers we have invited to join us, and then uncast the circle.
We request your respectful attention during this sacred rite, and ask that you please turn off your cellphones. if you have any questions, we invite you to ask them of us after the ritual has concluded.
And now, let us begin.
(Laurie replaces the salt and water on the altar, then takes up the ritual dagger from the altar and walks the edge of the circle, casting it; Laurie speaks the circle casting in short phrases, with Robin and the observers repeating them back to her.)
[ROBIN & LAURIE]
We consecrate this circle of power as a temple to the Ancient Ones. Here may They manifest, and bless the endeavors of their children gathered in this sacred space. In perfect love and perfect trust we gather, blessing and blessed, loving and loved. So mote it be!
(Laurie replaces the athame on the altar and faces the spectators (standing behind the altar), raising her hands to invoke the elements as Robin lights the candles in each quarter, ringing the bell each time.)
[LAURIE]
Hail, ye Mighty Ones of the East, powers of Air!
We do summon, stir, and call ye up to attend and protect this rite,
To stand guard at the eastern wall of our temple.
Spirits of the cool breezes, of swift whirlwinds and serene skies,
Be with us now!
Hail, Guardians of the Watchtowers of the East, Hail and Welcome!
Hail, ye Mighty Ones of the South, powers of Fire!
We do summon, stir, and call ye up to attend and protect this rite,
To stand guard at the southern wall of our temple.
Spirits of the glowing candles, of blazing fires and warm hearths,
Be with us now!
Hail, Guardians of the Watchtowers of the South, Hail and Welcome!
Hail, ye Mighty Ones of the West, powers of Water!
We do summon, stir, and call ye up to attend and protect this rite,
To stand guard at the western wall of our temple.
Spirits of the flowing rivers, of rising waves and deep oceans,
Be with us now!
Hail, Guardians of the Watchtowers of the West, Hail and Welcome!
Hail, ye Mighty Ones of the North, powers of Earth!
We do summon, stir, and call ye up to attend and protect this rite,
To stand guard at the northern wall of our temple.
Spirits of the rolling hills, of fertile valleys and tall mountains,
Be with us now!
Hail, Guardians of the Watchtowers of the North, Hail and Welcome!
(Robin lights the God and Goddess candles. ringing the bell each time, as Laurie invokes.)
[LAURIE]
Hail, Adonis!
Magnificent Lord of desire
Great God whose potency is creation’s fire
Sun King, in your strength and virility
With your brilliant divinity
Join with us this handfasting to bless
A couple bound by love and tenderness.
Hail, Great God, Hail and Welcome!
Hail, Aphrodite!
Glorious Lady of desire
Great Goddess who kindles passion’s hot fire
Moon Queen who rules felicity
Whose wisdom knows love’s mystery
Come to us to witness this rite
Where lovers have chosen this day to unite.
Hail, Great Goddess, Hail and Welcome!
Let the couple come forth!
(Marianne and Grant enter the hall, with the wedding party behind them, and come to stand at the entrance to the circle; Laurie picks up the salt and water, and Robin the incense, and they come to meet the wedding party.)
[LAURIE]
Who comes to be joined in the presence of the Lady and the Lord? What is your name?
[MARIANNE]
My name is Marianne.
[LAURIE]
Who comes to be joined in the presence of the Lady and the Lord? What is your name?
[GRANT]
My name is Grant.
[LAURIE]
Be purified, and enter the circle.
(Robin purifies them with incense, and Laurie with salt and water; Marianne and Grant enter the circle)
[LAURIE]
Who accompanies you?
[MARIANNE & GRANT]
Our beloved family.
[LAURIE]
Then let them be purified, and enter the circle.
(Robin purifies them with incense, and Laurie with salt and water, in order: the children (youngest to oldest), Marianne’s brother, and the ringbearer)
(Marianne and Grant move to stand in front of the altar, Marianne on the left, Grant on the right; their family joins them, fanned out behiind them and to the side, three children on each side, Marianne’s brother on Marianne’s side, the ringbearer on Grant’s side)
(Laurie and Robin replace the consecrated elements on the altar; Laurie moves to stand in front of it, Robin standing at her side, holding the ritual script for her.)
[LAURIE]
Welcome, all. We have come together here in celebration of the joining together of Marianne and Grant. There are many things to say about marriage. Much wisdom concerning the joining together of two souls has come our way through all paths of belief, and from many cultures. With each union, more knowledge is gained and more wisdom gathered. Though we are unable to give all this knowledge to these two, who stand before us, we can hope to leave with them the knowledge of love and its strengths and the anticipation of the wisdom that comes with time. The law of life is love unto all beings. Without love, life is nothing, without love, death has no redemption.
Marriage is a bond to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection. As with any aspect of life, it has its cycles, its ups and its downs, its trials and its triumphs. With full understanding of this, Marianne and Grant have come here today to be joined as one in marriage.
Others would ask, at this time, who gives the bride in marriage, but as a woman is not property to be bought and sold, given and taken, I ask simply if she comes of her own will and if she has her family's blessing.
Marianne, is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?
[MARIANNE]
Yes, it is true.
[LAURIE]
With whom do you come and whose blessings accompany you?
[BROTHER]
She comes with me, her brother, and is accompanied by all of her family's blessings.
[LAURIE]
I bid welcome also to the children of Marianne and Grant — Christopher Andre, Mary Frances, Garrett Grant, Falin Eden, Craig McKenzie, and Angus Edward . I invite you all to speak as a family, in this circle of joy and before the Goddess and the God.
[MARIANNE]
We are all going to be a family now, and we are each a valued part of that family, bringing something valuable to our home. I bring...
GRANT]
I bring...
[LAURIE]
Christopher Andre, what do you bring to this family?
[CHRISTOPHER ANDRE]
I bring...
[LAURIE]
Mary Frances, what do you bring to this family?
[MARY FRANCES]
I bring...
[LAURIE]
Garrett Grant, what do you bring to this family?
[GARRETT GRANT]
I bring...
[LAURIE]
Falin Eden, what do you bring to this family?
[FALIN EDEN]
I bring...
[LAURIE]
Craig Mckenzie, what do you bring to this family?
[CRAIG MCKENZIE]
I bring...
[LAURIE]
Angus Edward, what do you bring to this family?
[ANGUS EDWARD]
I bring...
[GRANT]
Welcome to the family. We are all made richer by every one of you. The more of us there are, living together in love, the stronger this family is. You are all unique, and I am honored to have you as family.
[MARIANNE]
Welcome to the family, and I am blessed three times over today.
[LAURIE]
Children of Marianne and Grant, do you give your blessings to this handfasting?
[CHILDREN]
We do.
[LAURIE]
I thank you.
Grant, please repeat after me: “I do solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I, Grant __________ may not be joined in matrimony to Marianne __________.”
Marianne, please repeat after me: “I do solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I, Marianne __________, may not be joined in matrimony to Grant __________.”
Marianne and Grant, please join hands and listen to that which I am about to say.
A marriage is like two trees rising from the sacred earth
That grow close together, but from different roots,
Different colors of leaf, different textures of bark,
Different flowers in the spring,
Yet the same bees drink their nectar,
The same birds nest in their branches,
And sing the spring into their unfolding buds,
The same shower of leaves falling in the autumn,
The same flood of cold bringing winter sleep.
And sometimes, two trees may entwine so closely
That we who watch them see only one tree
With different leaves, and wonder at the miracle,
For miracle it is.
What symbols do you give as pledge and testimony to your love and commitment to each other?
(Marianne and Grant release hands)
[MARIANNE AND GRANT, TOGETHER]
We give these rings.
(The ring bearer steps forward to stand beside and a little behind Grant)
[LAURIE]
As you exchange these rings, let you give also to each other the gifts of your body, mind, and heart.
[GRANT]
I give you this ring, and with it I give you...
(The ring bearer steps forward to stand beside and a little behind Marianne)
[MARIANNE]
I give you this ring, and with it I give you...
(The ringbearer returns to his place)
[LAURIE]
It is well.
(Robin picks up the braided cords from the altar and holds it up, presenting it to the Gods, as Laurie speaks the blessing)
[LAURIE]
Lady of Light and Darkness, the dust of whose feet are the hosts of heaven, whose body encircles the universe, grant your blessings to this couple who stand here before you to be joined as one.
Lord of Light and Darkness, the music of whose horn calls the seasons, dancer in the heart, grant your blessings to this couple who stand here before you to be joined as one.
(Laurie turns to take the cord from Robin, then turns back to Marianne and Grant)
[LAURIE]
I ask you now to join hands in perfect love and perfect trust.
This cord is woven of three colors — red for love, blue for understanding, and yellow for communication. Do you accept this symbolism?
[MARIANNE & GRANT]
We do.
[LAURIE]
Marianne, do you promise to cherish Grant, to pledge to him your love and support for all of this lifetime?
[MARIANNE]
I do.
[LAURIE]
Marianne, do you accept the commitment that this cord symbolizes, a commitment to be bound to each other as one for all of this life?
[MARIANNE]
I do.
Grant, today I choose to entwine my heart and spirit with yours
To join as one, united in love
This rebirth in love is natural
As natural as the new life that burgeons forth each spring
Just as the great oak tree, strong and alive, grows to unite the earth and sky
So steadfast love and devotion will hold us together.
[LAURIE]
Grant, do you promise to cherish Marianne, to pledge to her your love and support for all of this lifetime?
[GRANT]
I do.
[LAURIE]
Grant, do you accept the commitment that this cord symbolizes, a commitment to be bound to each other as one for all of this life?
[GRANT]
I do.
Marianne, today I choose to entwine my heart and spirit with yours
To join as one, united in love
This rebirth in love is natural
As natural as the new life that burgeons forth each spring
Just as the great oak tree, strong and alive, brows to unite the earth and sky
So steadfast love and devotion will hold us together.
(Laurie binds the hands of Marianne and Grant, winding the cord around them.)
[LAURIE]
Let all witness the union of this loving couple. Know that this cord is but a symbol. In truth, these two lovers bind each other, one unto the other. The cord will be removed, but the union of their hearts and spirits is one they freely choose.
At this time, I would like to speak of some of the things that many of us wish for you.
You have chosen and vowed to walk the same path and embark upon a quest together. To help you along your way, we bring you gifts so precious that all the wealth of the mightiest kings that ever lived can not buy them, yet they are the birth-right of all peoples.
(Laurie speaks the blessing, with appropriate hand gestures.)
[LAURIE]
I give you the blessing of Air -- invisible as thought. Constant movement: ever present and uncontained. May your thoughts soar with the wind!
The blessing of Water I give you -- changing and flowing, water conforms to the shape of its container and by doing so, changes both. May the mysteries of the Water's depths be yours!
Fire's blessing I give you -- the flames of love are yours: but remember that the fire that warms will also burn if not treated with respect. May the Flames fill you with warmth and light!
The blessing of the Earth is yours -- constant and stable, her substance is a source of renewal and strength. May the wealth of the Earth nourish you!
The Sun's blessing goes with you -- his light and warmth brings health and joy. May the brilliance of the sun illuminate your lives!
I give you the blessing of the Moon -- her phases teach you the mystery of cycles and her light will guide you in your changes. May the Moon's glow brighten your quest!
The blessings of the Stars are yours -- though distant and beyond reach, their lights guide us and pull us out of the familiar and into new worlds. May you explore the wonder of the Stars together!
As you embark upon this quest, do so with joy and love in your hearts. But remember always -- you cannot be true to another unless you are true to yourself.
Do you accept these gifts?
[MARIANNE AND GRANT]
We do.
[LAURIE]
Grant, please repeat after me: “I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, Grant __________, do take thee, Marianne __________, to be my lawful wedded wife.”
Marianne, please repeat after me: “I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, Marianne __________, do take thee, Grant __________, to be my lawful wedded husband.”
Then by the power vested in me as a Priestess of Wicca, and as a duly appointed marriage commissioner of the province of Manitoba, I do declare to all assembled here, in the presence of the Ancient Ones, that you are husband and wife. You may share the first kiss of marriage.
So mote it be! Blessed be!
(Laurie and Robin lead the applause. When the applause have ended, Robin extinguishes the God and Goddess candles, then the candles of the elements, ringing the bell each time, as Laurie speaks.)
[LAURIE]
The magic is wrought, the rite is done.
Oh Lady of the Moon, Lord of the Sun,
Great Goddess and God, farewell to Thee
We give thanks for your presence. Blessed be.
Farewell, Guardians of the Northern Watchtower
Pray go in glory and in power
For your presence here we give thanks to thee
Farewell, earth spirits — blessed be.
Farewell, Guardians of the Western Watchtower
Pray go in glory and in power
For your presence here we give thanks to thee
Farewell, water spirits — blessed be.
Farewell, Guardians of the Southern Watchtower
Pray go in glory and in power
For your presence here we give thanks to thee
Farewell, fire spirits — blessed be.
Farewell, Guardians of the Eastern Watchtower
Pray go in glory and in power
For your presence here we give thanks to thee
Farewell, air spirits — blessed be.
(Laurie takes the athame and uncasts the circle, as Robin speaks, leading a call-and response.)
[ROBIN & LAURIE]
We have consecrated this circle of power as a temple to the Ancient Ones. Now our rite is done, we release it to rejoin the greater energies of the universe. In perfect love and perfect trust we depart, blessing and blessed, loving and loved. So mote it be!
(Laurie replaces the athame on the altar, then turns to Marianne and Grant. Robin rings the bell three times, signalling the end of the ritual.)
[LAURIE]
Marianne and Grant, your life awaits you. Go forth with the blessings of all assembled here. Blessed be!
(Marianne and Grant exit the hall, their hands still bound, with the wedding party following. Robin follows them to remove the cord and box it, then returns to assist Laurie in taking apart the altar.)
******************************************
******************************************
******************************************
The next handfasting I officiate is on September 30th (assuming that I don't end up in hospital as a result of the sigmoidoscopy on September 18th).
Here are some photos from that day. First, one of me, fully made up for the occasion:
One of the altar at the hall:
Robin and I doing the Goddess invocation:
And me after the ritual:
The ritual went quite well, all things considered. No major hitches, aside from an incense charcoal that wouldn't light properly; once it got going, though, the clouds of fragrant frankincense smoke could be smelled throughout the hall. The couple were very pleased with the rite, and have promised to get me a copy of the videotape on CD.
Here is the script of the handfasting.
******************************************
******************************************
******************************************
Marianne and Grant’s Handfasting
7:00 pm, September 8th, 2007
(Before the ritual begins, Laurie blesses the salt and water, the charcoal and incense, and purifies Robin with each elemental combination; Robin then purifies Laurie. Robin and Laurie walk the perimeter of the circle, lighting each of the quarter candles. They then return to the altar, and Robin rings the bell three times to signal the beginning of the rite.)
[LAURIE]
We are here today to celebrate, to witness, to bless, and to receive the blessings of Marianne and Grant’s handfasting. As we prepare the sacred space for this marriage, let all of us take a few moments to meditate on the sacredness of love.
(As Laurie purifies the space with incense smoke, Robin leads the spectators in a call-and-response contemplation.)
[ROBIN]
Please repeat after me:
Love is like the sun that shines down upon our lives.
Love is like the moon that lights the way in darkness.
Love is like the earth that supports and nourishes us.
Love is like the sea, ever-changing and yet ever-constant.
Love is like the fire that warms us when we are cold.
Love is like the breath which gives us life.
Love is like the sacred spirit which dwells within us all
And gives us the strength to face each new day with joy.
(Laurie proceeds to purify the sacred space with salt and water, as Robin reads the Explanation.)
[ROBIN]
A handfasting is the ritual of marriage within the Wiccan religion. The High Priestess is purifying the sacred space with representatives of the four elements that make up the world — earth and water, air and fire. She will then create a circular temple of energy called a circle of power, and will invite the spirits associated with the four cardinal directions to join her within it, as well as the Goddess and the God, Whose blessings we ask for today.
When the handfasting has been performed, she will bid farewell to the powers we have invited to join us, and then uncast the circle.
We request your respectful attention during this sacred rite, and ask that you please turn off your cellphones. if you have any questions, we invite you to ask them of us after the ritual has concluded.
And now, let us begin.
(Laurie replaces the salt and water on the altar, then takes up the ritual dagger from the altar and walks the edge of the circle, casting it; Laurie speaks the circle casting in short phrases, with Robin and the observers repeating them back to her.)
[ROBIN & LAURIE]
We consecrate this circle of power as a temple to the Ancient Ones. Here may They manifest, and bless the endeavors of their children gathered in this sacred space. In perfect love and perfect trust we gather, blessing and blessed, loving and loved. So mote it be!
(Laurie replaces the athame on the altar and faces the spectators (standing behind the altar), raising her hands to invoke the elements as Robin lights the candles in each quarter, ringing the bell each time.)
[LAURIE]
Hail, ye Mighty Ones of the East, powers of Air!
We do summon, stir, and call ye up to attend and protect this rite,
To stand guard at the eastern wall of our temple.
Spirits of the cool breezes, of swift whirlwinds and serene skies,
Be with us now!
Hail, Guardians of the Watchtowers of the East, Hail and Welcome!
Hail, ye Mighty Ones of the South, powers of Fire!
We do summon, stir, and call ye up to attend and protect this rite,
To stand guard at the southern wall of our temple.
Spirits of the glowing candles, of blazing fires and warm hearths,
Be with us now!
Hail, Guardians of the Watchtowers of the South, Hail and Welcome!
Hail, ye Mighty Ones of the West, powers of Water!
We do summon, stir, and call ye up to attend and protect this rite,
To stand guard at the western wall of our temple.
Spirits of the flowing rivers, of rising waves and deep oceans,
Be with us now!
Hail, Guardians of the Watchtowers of the West, Hail and Welcome!
Hail, ye Mighty Ones of the North, powers of Earth!
We do summon, stir, and call ye up to attend and protect this rite,
To stand guard at the northern wall of our temple.
Spirits of the rolling hills, of fertile valleys and tall mountains,
Be with us now!
Hail, Guardians of the Watchtowers of the North, Hail and Welcome!
(Robin lights the God and Goddess candles. ringing the bell each time, as Laurie invokes.)
[LAURIE]
Hail, Adonis!
Magnificent Lord of desire
Great God whose potency is creation’s fire
Sun King, in your strength and virility
With your brilliant divinity
Join with us this handfasting to bless
A couple bound by love and tenderness.
Hail, Great God, Hail and Welcome!
Hail, Aphrodite!
Glorious Lady of desire
Great Goddess who kindles passion’s hot fire
Moon Queen who rules felicity
Whose wisdom knows love’s mystery
Come to us to witness this rite
Where lovers have chosen this day to unite.
Hail, Great Goddess, Hail and Welcome!
Let the couple come forth!
(Marianne and Grant enter the hall, with the wedding party behind them, and come to stand at the entrance to the circle; Laurie picks up the salt and water, and Robin the incense, and they come to meet the wedding party.)
[LAURIE]
Who comes to be joined in the presence of the Lady and the Lord? What is your name?
[MARIANNE]
My name is Marianne.
[LAURIE]
Who comes to be joined in the presence of the Lady and the Lord? What is your name?
[GRANT]
My name is Grant.
[LAURIE]
Be purified, and enter the circle.
(Robin purifies them with incense, and Laurie with salt and water; Marianne and Grant enter the circle)
[LAURIE]
Who accompanies you?
[MARIANNE & GRANT]
Our beloved family.
[LAURIE]
Then let them be purified, and enter the circle.
(Robin purifies them with incense, and Laurie with salt and water, in order: the children (youngest to oldest), Marianne’s brother, and the ringbearer)
(Marianne and Grant move to stand in front of the altar, Marianne on the left, Grant on the right; their family joins them, fanned out behiind them and to the side, three children on each side, Marianne’s brother on Marianne’s side, the ringbearer on Grant’s side)
(Laurie and Robin replace the consecrated elements on the altar; Laurie moves to stand in front of it, Robin standing at her side, holding the ritual script for her.)
[LAURIE]
Welcome, all. We have come together here in celebration of the joining together of Marianne and Grant. There are many things to say about marriage. Much wisdom concerning the joining together of two souls has come our way through all paths of belief, and from many cultures. With each union, more knowledge is gained and more wisdom gathered. Though we are unable to give all this knowledge to these two, who stand before us, we can hope to leave with them the knowledge of love and its strengths and the anticipation of the wisdom that comes with time. The law of life is love unto all beings. Without love, life is nothing, without love, death has no redemption.
Marriage is a bond to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection. As with any aspect of life, it has its cycles, its ups and its downs, its trials and its triumphs. With full understanding of this, Marianne and Grant have come here today to be joined as one in marriage.
Others would ask, at this time, who gives the bride in marriage, but as a woman is not property to be bought and sold, given and taken, I ask simply if she comes of her own will and if she has her family's blessing.
Marianne, is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?
[MARIANNE]
Yes, it is true.
[LAURIE]
With whom do you come and whose blessings accompany you?
[BROTHER]
She comes with me, her brother, and is accompanied by all of her family's blessings.
[LAURIE]
I bid welcome also to the children of Marianne and Grant — Christopher Andre, Mary Frances, Garrett Grant, Falin Eden, Craig McKenzie, and Angus Edward . I invite you all to speak as a family, in this circle of joy and before the Goddess and the God.
[MARIANNE]
We are all going to be a family now, and we are each a valued part of that family, bringing something valuable to our home. I bring...
GRANT]
I bring...
[LAURIE]
Christopher Andre, what do you bring to this family?
[CHRISTOPHER ANDRE]
I bring...
[LAURIE]
Mary Frances, what do you bring to this family?
[MARY FRANCES]
I bring...
[LAURIE]
Garrett Grant, what do you bring to this family?
[GARRETT GRANT]
I bring...
[LAURIE]
Falin Eden, what do you bring to this family?
[FALIN EDEN]
I bring...
[LAURIE]
Craig Mckenzie, what do you bring to this family?
[CRAIG MCKENZIE]
I bring...
[LAURIE]
Angus Edward, what do you bring to this family?
[ANGUS EDWARD]
I bring...
[GRANT]
Welcome to the family. We are all made richer by every one of you. The more of us there are, living together in love, the stronger this family is. You are all unique, and I am honored to have you as family.
[MARIANNE]
Welcome to the family, and I am blessed three times over today.
[LAURIE]
Children of Marianne and Grant, do you give your blessings to this handfasting?
[CHILDREN]
We do.
[LAURIE]
I thank you.
Grant, please repeat after me: “I do solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I, Grant __________ may not be joined in matrimony to Marianne __________.”
Marianne, please repeat after me: “I do solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I, Marianne __________, may not be joined in matrimony to Grant __________.”
Marianne and Grant, please join hands and listen to that which I am about to say.
A marriage is like two trees rising from the sacred earth
That grow close together, but from different roots,
Different colors of leaf, different textures of bark,
Different flowers in the spring,
Yet the same bees drink their nectar,
The same birds nest in their branches,
And sing the spring into their unfolding buds,
The same shower of leaves falling in the autumn,
The same flood of cold bringing winter sleep.
And sometimes, two trees may entwine so closely
That we who watch them see only one tree
With different leaves, and wonder at the miracle,
For miracle it is.
What symbols do you give as pledge and testimony to your love and commitment to each other?
(Marianne and Grant release hands)
[MARIANNE AND GRANT, TOGETHER]
We give these rings.
(The ring bearer steps forward to stand beside and a little behind Grant)
[LAURIE]
As you exchange these rings, let you give also to each other the gifts of your body, mind, and heart.
[GRANT]
I give you this ring, and with it I give you...
(The ring bearer steps forward to stand beside and a little behind Marianne)
[MARIANNE]
I give you this ring, and with it I give you...
(The ringbearer returns to his place)
[LAURIE]
It is well.
(Robin picks up the braided cords from the altar and holds it up, presenting it to the Gods, as Laurie speaks the blessing)
[LAURIE]
Lady of Light and Darkness, the dust of whose feet are the hosts of heaven, whose body encircles the universe, grant your blessings to this couple who stand here before you to be joined as one.
Lord of Light and Darkness, the music of whose horn calls the seasons, dancer in the heart, grant your blessings to this couple who stand here before you to be joined as one.
(Laurie turns to take the cord from Robin, then turns back to Marianne and Grant)
[LAURIE]
I ask you now to join hands in perfect love and perfect trust.
This cord is woven of three colors — red for love, blue for understanding, and yellow for communication. Do you accept this symbolism?
[MARIANNE & GRANT]
We do.
[LAURIE]
Marianne, do you promise to cherish Grant, to pledge to him your love and support for all of this lifetime?
[MARIANNE]
I do.
[LAURIE]
Marianne, do you accept the commitment that this cord symbolizes, a commitment to be bound to each other as one for all of this life?
[MARIANNE]
I do.
Grant, today I choose to entwine my heart and spirit with yours
To join as one, united in love
This rebirth in love is natural
As natural as the new life that burgeons forth each spring
Just as the great oak tree, strong and alive, grows to unite the earth and sky
So steadfast love and devotion will hold us together.
[LAURIE]
Grant, do you promise to cherish Marianne, to pledge to her your love and support for all of this lifetime?
[GRANT]
I do.
[LAURIE]
Grant, do you accept the commitment that this cord symbolizes, a commitment to be bound to each other as one for all of this life?
[GRANT]
I do.
Marianne, today I choose to entwine my heart and spirit with yours
To join as one, united in love
This rebirth in love is natural
As natural as the new life that burgeons forth each spring
Just as the great oak tree, strong and alive, brows to unite the earth and sky
So steadfast love and devotion will hold us together.
(Laurie binds the hands of Marianne and Grant, winding the cord around them.)
[LAURIE]
Let all witness the union of this loving couple. Know that this cord is but a symbol. In truth, these two lovers bind each other, one unto the other. The cord will be removed, but the union of their hearts and spirits is one they freely choose.
At this time, I would like to speak of some of the things that many of us wish for you.
You have chosen and vowed to walk the same path and embark upon a quest together. To help you along your way, we bring you gifts so precious that all the wealth of the mightiest kings that ever lived can not buy them, yet they are the birth-right of all peoples.
(Laurie speaks the blessing, with appropriate hand gestures.)
[LAURIE]
I give you the blessing of Air -- invisible as thought. Constant movement: ever present and uncontained. May your thoughts soar with the wind!
The blessing of Water I give you -- changing and flowing, water conforms to the shape of its container and by doing so, changes both. May the mysteries of the Water's depths be yours!
Fire's blessing I give you -- the flames of love are yours: but remember that the fire that warms will also burn if not treated with respect. May the Flames fill you with warmth and light!
The blessing of the Earth is yours -- constant and stable, her substance is a source of renewal and strength. May the wealth of the Earth nourish you!
The Sun's blessing goes with you -- his light and warmth brings health and joy. May the brilliance of the sun illuminate your lives!
I give you the blessing of the Moon -- her phases teach you the mystery of cycles and her light will guide you in your changes. May the Moon's glow brighten your quest!
The blessings of the Stars are yours -- though distant and beyond reach, their lights guide us and pull us out of the familiar and into new worlds. May you explore the wonder of the Stars together!
As you embark upon this quest, do so with joy and love in your hearts. But remember always -- you cannot be true to another unless you are true to yourself.
Do you accept these gifts?
[MARIANNE AND GRANT]
We do.
[LAURIE]
Grant, please repeat after me: “I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, Grant __________, do take thee, Marianne __________, to be my lawful wedded wife.”
Marianne, please repeat after me: “I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, Marianne __________, do take thee, Grant __________, to be my lawful wedded husband.”
Then by the power vested in me as a Priestess of Wicca, and as a duly appointed marriage commissioner of the province of Manitoba, I do declare to all assembled here, in the presence of the Ancient Ones, that you are husband and wife. You may share the first kiss of marriage.
So mote it be! Blessed be!
(Laurie and Robin lead the applause. When the applause have ended, Robin extinguishes the God and Goddess candles, then the candles of the elements, ringing the bell each time, as Laurie speaks.)
[LAURIE]
The magic is wrought, the rite is done.
Oh Lady of the Moon, Lord of the Sun,
Great Goddess and God, farewell to Thee
We give thanks for your presence. Blessed be.
Farewell, Guardians of the Northern Watchtower
Pray go in glory and in power
For your presence here we give thanks to thee
Farewell, earth spirits — blessed be.
Farewell, Guardians of the Western Watchtower
Pray go in glory and in power
For your presence here we give thanks to thee
Farewell, water spirits — blessed be.
Farewell, Guardians of the Southern Watchtower
Pray go in glory and in power
For your presence here we give thanks to thee
Farewell, fire spirits — blessed be.
Farewell, Guardians of the Eastern Watchtower
Pray go in glory and in power
For your presence here we give thanks to thee
Farewell, air spirits — blessed be.
(Laurie takes the athame and uncasts the circle, as Robin speaks, leading a call-and response.)
[ROBIN & LAURIE]
We have consecrated this circle of power as a temple to the Ancient Ones. Now our rite is done, we release it to rejoin the greater energies of the universe. In perfect love and perfect trust we depart, blessing and blessed, loving and loved. So mote it be!
(Laurie replaces the athame on the altar, then turns to Marianne and Grant. Robin rings the bell three times, signalling the end of the ritual.)
[LAURIE]
Marianne and Grant, your life awaits you. Go forth with the blessings of all assembled here. Blessed be!
(Marianne and Grant exit the hall, their hands still bound, with the wedding party following. Robin follows them to remove the cord and box it, then returns to assist Laurie in taking apart the altar.)
******************************************
******************************************
******************************************
The next handfasting I officiate is on September 30th (assuming that I don't end up in hospital as a result of the sigmoidoscopy on September 18th).
◾ Tags:
